UK singer Cliff Richard will not face sex crime charges

LONDON (Reuters) - Singer Cliff Richard, one of Britain's best-known entertainers, will not face charges over alleged historical sex crimes because there is not enough evidence, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was handed a file of evidence by police in May relating to allegations against Richard, 75.

"The CPS has carefully reviewed evidence relating to claims of non-recent sexual offences dating between 1958 and 1983 made by four men," said Martin Goldman, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Yorkshire and Humberside.

"We have decided that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute."

Richard has never been arrested but twice voluntarily met officers from South Yorkshire Police after it launched an inquiry in 2014.

The first interview took place after police raided his home in August 2014 when he was on holiday. The search was filmed by the BBC after the broadcaster was given advance warning.

That raid led to criticism from lawmakers who described the co-operation between the police and the BBC as "inept" and causing "irreparable damage" to the singer's reputation.

Richard himself said in a statement on Thursday he feared his reputation would never be fully restored.
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